Getting started with web development

I was asked the other day to compile a list of resources for a friend that wants to get started designing & building for the web.

As I was compiling the list, it dawned on me how far we’ve come. Not long ago, resources were scarce and mostly HTML for dummies-type-stuff. Now there’s an immense amount of material available, and I’m especially keen on the recent rise of interactive courses. Sites like Treehouse, Code School and Code Academy are really pushing the envelope in this space, and I can only imagine where we’ll be 10 years from now.

The following list is what I came up with initially, and I’ll be expanding it over time. If you can think of any resources I haven’t listed, please suggest them in the comments below. Think of it from the perspective of a complete beginner, with no prior understanding of how a website is built. Thanks.

Finally, you should check out my earlier post on how to maximize your productivity when you start designing that awesome thing you have in mind. Oh, and remember: sites with pictures of funny cats will never go out of fashion. Now go and build something!